A Grade II listed structure from the 17th century in north-west London is poised for restoration after the owner’s previous renovations left it “literally stripped”.
The planning committee of Harrow Council has approved a comprehensive plan for the restoration of The Rookery, a Georgian mansion and stable complex located in Stanmore.
Originally constructed for Lord Clutterbuck, the proprietor of the nearby Clutterbuck Brewery, the property has been retained by the same family for multiple generations.
Recently, a series of “unauthorized modifications” have been reported to the committee, including the use of inauthentic décor labeled as “fake old” and the removal of original plaster from the walls, which has adversely impacted the listed building.
In 2022, a new owner acquired The Rookery, but they failed to secure Listed Building Consent before initiating changes.
Conservationists intervened in December of that year to halt the ongoing renovation, which has not resumed since, according to reports from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Approval has now been granted for both internal and external modifications, encompassing a thorough interior “strip out” – most of which has already occurred – and updates to the décor.
The plans specify that the restoration will aim to “match the historical details” and “revive the historical features” where they can be accurately recreated, according to a planning officer from Harrow Council.
The Rookery is recognized for its significant historical and architectural value due to its age, its connection to the brewery, and its traditional design elements and historical materials.
The planning officer noted that the restoration could offer a “unique opportunity” to gain insights into the building’s significance and historical evolution as contemporary surfaces are removed.
When asked about the possibility of returning the building to its original condition, the planning officer affirmed that it represents “the best proposal at the stage we are currently in.”
No enforcement actions were taken when the alterations were discovered, as officers aimed to gain a clearer understanding of the extent of the changes. However, the option for prosecution remains on the table, according to committee chair Marilyn Ashton.
She described the application as a “positive” step toward progress but lamented the building’s current state as “a significant letdown,” adding that “acknowledging what has occurred and adopting a practical perspective does not rectify the situation.”
“Upon thoroughly reviewing the report, one might deduce that we still retain the possibility of prosecution because the damage inflicted on a Grade II listed building is quite severe. This isn’t merely a single room or a minor feature; the entire structure has essentially been stripped bare.”
She concluded by expressing hope that while “not much remains of its historical significance,” efforts could still be made to restore some of its former appearance.
